01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

I know... The answers are all over the forum. But, just wondering does a nice set of Headers, mid pipe truly help these LT1's.. Just wanting a little more.. I know w the LS1 you can pick up 20-30 rwhp.. Pretty straight forward removal, install? Again, I have done header installs on my LS1 cars in my garage.. Taking my time. Just added Borla, K&N, TB air foil.. Wanting a little bit more.. Mine is a 96Z281LE...

I am trying to resist going out to see Lloyd Elliot as he is local to me... One of his H/C packages would be sweet... Don't want to do too much to this car as it is pretty rare, 28K miles, and don't want to de value if I ever decide to sell it. Then again, a lot of people are wanting these cars already built if done right.

Your thoughts?

StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

I wouldn't worry about the value aspect but that's just me. I took a rare, mint, stock 8,000 mile Formula WS6 and did an LE2 package, full exhaust, etc. because that's how I wanted the car. Do what you want to it so you enjoy it. Stock is boring and slow by today's standards and your car and mine and other non-common LT1 cars really aren't worth much at all in the grand scheme of things and they really aren't that sought after. Maybe one day that will change but who knows. Headers do wonders for these cars just as they do for the LS motors. The install is kind of a bitch due to the emissions and AC lines being in the way but well worth it and really not any more difficult than doing the same to an LS1 f-body. If you want to do it right and intend on keeping the car I would look into Kooks or American Racing. Shitty ones like Pacesetter etc. just detract from the car IMO. I've owned them all over the years and only buy Kooks or ARH for my vehicles now despite the cost of entry.

Edit: Plus Borla and LT headers sound pretty damn good on an LT1. A little raspy but I always liked the combo.

Dren

Do it.. A right set will attract buyers. Just keep the original exhaust manifolds in case you sell to go with car.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Keeping the cats in place or are they gone? If keeping, it's not worth it. If removing, go for longtubes with a 3" offroad pipe and you'll see a significant gain in power as long as the engine is sound.

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

Great advice by all of you... Thank you for that... Engine is SOLID!!! Oil pressure is 50-60PSI at start up... Once warm and idling doesn't drop bellow 25.. No strange noises, smells, ticks,knocks,leaks… Its a solid car! I'll most likely remove the cats, emissions, get all of that tuned out (Ed Wright)

2 more years the car will be considered a "Classic"... and I won't have to worry about emissions, etc....

I am not afraid to spend the coin on the Kooks, AR... Those are what I have run in the past on my LS1 cars and my previous C5Z... Run the LG's on my C6Z...

Think I am going to pull the trigger on the Kooks later this summer. Thanks again.

StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

Good deal. Given that the 1LEs were strippers from the factory, I think it will be that much cooler when popping the hood and seeing no emissions junk and seeing some nice stainless steel LTs.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Oh, and, that air foil- useless. Won't hurt keeping it on, but doesn't do a thing for you.

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

I know this... lol.... It looks good though...

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

I totally agree....

BTC

My sex life improved dramatically after my Kooks install. Was it the headers or was it the Rohypnol? I quit trying to figure that out years ago.

BTC

I don’t think American Racing makes headers for the LT1, but I could be wrong. In addition to Kooks, I believe Stainless Works used to offer LT1 headers.

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

Thanks Bill.... Yeah, the old adage you get what you pay for comes to mind. This car is pristine.. Think I am going to pull the trigger on the Kooks.

moehorsepower

iTrader: (3)

Not so, when we had the shop, I put an air foil on my car and switched the SAE setting to knats a$$ and gained 1 HP.....

seawolf18

iTrader: (18)

I think Speed Engineering makes a set of stainless long tubes for the LT1. I haven't personally used them though.

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

They make a good header....Kooks will be the ones I end up with.

smooveZ

I have the ebay stainless brand and never had a problem! Also I have 3 inch Magnaflow catback. Sounds good!

ElkySS

iTrader: (6)

I think they don't make them anymore but I have LPP stainless headers. Pretty good for the money and they allow you to run the Speed Engineering true dual kit if you wanna go that route.